Signal for motor vehicles



June 30, 1925.

H. C. EVELYN SIGNAL FOR MOTOR VEHICLES med May 1e, 1921 '2 sheets-snm 1June 30, 1925.

H. C. EVELYN SIGNAL FOR MOTOR VEHICLES Filed May 16, 1921 2 Sheets-Sheet2 wwwa-ZU@ WM www Patentedk J une 3U, 1925.

HARRY C. EVELYN, 0F CHICAGD, ILLINOIS.

SIGNAL- FOR MOTOR VEHICLES.

ff Application med may 1e, 1921. seria-1 No. 469,813.

To all whom t may concern.'

Be it known that I, HARRY C. EVELYN, a citizen of the United States, anda resident of Chicago, in the county of Cook and State of Illinois, haveinvented certain new and usefullmprovements in Signals for MotorVehicles," of which the following is a speciiication. I

This invention relates to improvements in signal devices for motorvehicles, and more particularly to signal devices adapted to be mountedat the rear of a motor vehicle for the purpose of providing a visualwarning to other vehicles approaching from the rear.

The object of the invention is to provide a signal device which willafford greater' protection to vehicles from the so-called rear endcollisions by announcing, by means of clearly visible and unmistakablesignal, the fact that the preceding vehicle traveling at a slow speed,or has come to a stop. s a preferable arrangement, an intermittentlytlashing or blinking light is exhibited at speeds under say ten. miles'an hour, which is 4transformed into a steady light when the vehiclecomes to a stop. Moreover, the light is completely extinguished when thevehicle is traveling at greater speeds, on the supposition 'that thedanger of collision is so greatly minimized as 'to eliminate thenecessity of warning under such conditions.

The novel features of the invention per tain especially to the mechanismttor controlling the liow of electric current to the lamp, together withthe method in which the functioning of the signal device is regulated tothe speed of the vehicle.

A preferred embodiment of the invention is hereinafter fully disclosedand illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein Fig. l is a topplan view of the light controlling mechanism with the top cover of thesurrounding casing removed,

Fig. 2 is a view in vertical section of the device talren on line 2-2 ofFig. l,

Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken on line .i3- 3 of Fig. 2,

Fig. Ll is a digrammatic view showing the manner in which vthe mechanismis incorporated in the flexible shaft of a speedometer, and

Fig. 5 is a diagrammatic view of the lamp Circuit the electricalelements et the light controlling device, and their connections with thecircuit.

As already suggested, a lamp L shown diagrammatically in Fig. 5 ismounted at some convenient point at the rear of a motor vehicle, and insuch position that it is readily visible to other vehicles approachingVyfrom the rear. This lamp is preferably of the bulls'eye type commonlyused for vehicle signals and preferably having a ruby lens because ofits increased visibility. As a part of the signal device, the lamp wouldhe distinct from, and in no way interfere with the usual rear or taillight. Moreover, it is provided with independent conductors CHC leadingfrom a source of electric current such a storage battery B, also showndiagraminatically in Figure 5. Connected or inserted in the circuit ofthe Vlamp L is the cerrent controlling device l) which. functions as anautomatic switch including an arrangement of circuits and cirenitclosing nts, which are opened and closed at pi determined speeds cit thevehicle. n

ln order that lamp L may act asa visual signal indicating the speed olithe vehicle, it is essential 'that the action of the switch be regulatedto the speed of the vehicle, and liorthis reason it is proposed as aconvenient arrangement, to drive the moving parte by means of the'Flexible shaft connecting the speedometer or speed recording instrumentS, which shaft is ordinarily connected by means of gearing to a lirontwheel or the vvehicle, or .as shown in Figure 4i, is driven from thetransmission T by means ci a gear wheel l meshing with a pinion 2 linedto the end of a eXible shaft represented by 3 being understood ,that theshaft proper is enclosed within a Hex ible metallic tube). rlhe switchor current controlling device is preferably fastened at some. convenientpoint to the trame 'F of the vehicle chassis by means of a bracket iwhereby the cylindrically shaped casing of the device D is supported invertical position at some point in the line of the flexible speedometershafting 3. The rotative parts of the switch l) are connected with theshaft and klrotate at the same speed, which speed is accuratelydetermined with reference to the distance traveled by the vehicle, arelationship that is necessary in order to obtain,

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'an accurate reading of the speedometer S. For instance the speedometershaft may be so connected with the vehicle driving gear as to rotatethru one thousand revolutions for each mile that the vehicle travels.

Referring novv to the device D, the same comprises a cylindric casing lhaving an integral bottom Wall 5 and a removable top Wall or cover 6secured in any suitable way to the cylindric casing Il. l,fl/'ithin thecasing and covering the bottom vvall 5 is a layer of insulatingsubstance 7, suoli as hard rubber compound. Embedded in said layer islasemi-circular shaped contact plate S of a radius equal substantially toone-half that of the casing, there being connected with said contactplate a terminal conductor 9 extending downwardly thru the bottom Wall 5of the casing, and provided at its end with a suitable 'terminalconnection to which a conductor may be secured. The Contact plate 8 andthe terminal conductor 9 are indicated by corresponding referencecharacters in Figure 5, said terminal conductor being represented as apoint to which one 0f the conductors C of the lam'p circuit isconnected. Extending axially thru the ca sing 4 is a rotative shaft 10mounted in bushings 11--11 extending thru the bottom ivall 5, and cover6 of the casing. As clearly shown in Figure 2, the upper bushing cairies an internally threaded collar 12 adapted to make connection withthe flexible shaft tubing of the speedometer, the flexible speedometershaft being provided With a notch adapted to be engaged by a tongue 13at the upper end of the shaft 10. At the lower end of the shaft 10 isprovided a notch 1l adapted to engage a supplementary tongue of thespeedometer shaft leading to the driven end thereof, the flexible tubingenclosing said shaft being provided with a threaded cap which engagesthe screw threaded portion 1121 of the lovver bushing 11. ln otherwords, the shaft 10 is connected into the flexible speedometer shaft,and forms an integral part thereof.

The central portion of the shaft 10 is increased in diameter, forming abarrel 15 which has endvvise abutting engagement with the bushings 11.Mounted upon the barrel portion 15 of the shaft is a block 16 ofinsulating material, said block forming the carrier for the contactmembers, and other electrical elements hereinafter to be described. Theblock rotates With the shaft 10, and therefore at the saine speed as theflexible speedometer shaft. Extending transversely thru the block 16 andloosely mounted in Vertical, are two contact cylinders or plugs 171-17bequidistantly spaced radially from the axis of the shaft 10` and spacedapart circumferentially from each other a distance of 180. Furthermore,a circle passing thru the vertical axes of these contact plugs 17a-171has the same radius as the arc determining the center line of thesemi-circular Contact plate 8 at the bottom of the casing, so that inthe rotation of the block 16, the lower ends of the Contact pins 17a-17hengage said plate and remain in contact therewith thruout one-half ofeach revolution of the block. In addition to the Contact plugs 17a-17,the block 16 carries a thirdlcontact plug 18 which is mounted Within theblock in the same manner as the plugs 1Ta-17b, but its location relativeto the axis of the shaft 10, as Well as to the plugs 17a-175, is Welldefined. The radial distance from the axis of the shaft to the axis ofthe contact plug 18 is substantially one-half the radial distance to thecontact plugs. The lower end of the contact plug 18 extends beyond theblock 1li and has constant contact with a circular contact plate 19arranged concentrically with respect to the axis of the shaft 10, andfixed to the bottom surface of the casing, and upon the layer ofinsulating material 7. The angular disposition of the Contact plug 1Swith respect to the plugs 17H-171 is of no particular importance, althoas shown in Figures 1 and 5, is disposed at a convenient pointsubstantially midway between the plugs 17a-17b as measured on the arc ofa circle. is thus described and clearly shown in the diagram' of Figure5, the block carries the tivo similar plugs 17a-17b which alternatelyengage the same circular contact plate 8 and the single contact plug 1S,which has constant contact with a circular contact plate 19. The contactplate 19 is provided with a terminal conductor Q0 which project-sdownwardly thru the bottom wall of the casing in the same manner as theterminal Iconductor 9 heretofore described, and to which the conductor C(on the other side of the lamp L and battery B) is connected.

Considering now the other elements mounted upon and carried by the block16. a semi-circular plate 21 surrounds one-half of the block and isspaced a short distancetherefrom. Said plate is pivotally supported invertical position, and in concentric rc lation with the shaft 10 bymeans of a pivot pin 22 connected adjacent one end of the plate, thelsame being journalled at its cnt s between vertically disposed radialears 16a-16a. At the extreme end of said plate Q1 is a set screw 2lextending transversely therethru and adapted to be adjustedlongitudinally toward and from the block 1G, thereby acting to limit therotative movement of the ring 2l about the axis'of the pivot pin 22 in adirection'away from the block 16. The free end of the plate 21 disposedsubstantially diametrically opposite the point of pivotal support,carries a cylindrio Weight 25 secured to the inner face no y there isprovi thereof, said weigh-t and free end of the plate being supported bymeans of a vertically disposed roller 26 journalled in the weight 25 soas to project below the under surface thereof, and rests upon anupwardly facing surface of the block 16, formed by cutting away portionsthereof adjacent the.

free end of .the plate, leaving an ear- 27 projecting from the loweredgeof the block. The extremity of the free end of the semicircularplate 21 is bent inwardly to form a short radial arm 28 locatedimmediately Ibe- 'yond the weight 25, said arm having attached thereto ametallic contact strip 29 curving inwardly toward the axis of the shaft10, and thence outwardly in a'general oblique direction parallel to theprolonga'- tion of the plate 21: Ait the end of the contact strip 29 isprovided a contact point 30 adapted to bear against a metallic contactstrip 31 extending transversely a ainst a vertical face 16b of the block16 su stantially in parallel relation to the contact strip 29. Thecontact strip 31 is an integra part Jof ametallic terminal plate 32electrically connected to one of the contact plugs 17 nearest to itlay/means of a conductor wire 33. The terminal plate 32 is preferablyoval in shape and provided with a centrally located slot 32a thru whichthe` adjustingscrew 34 extends, the latter being anchored in the block16. j This arrangement permits the contact plate to be shifted in adirection parallel to the vertical face 16b of the block 16, thusenabling the position of the contact strip to be shifted with relationto thev contact point 30. Attached to a straight vertical face 16c ofthe block 16` and `at right angles to the face 16b thereof, is a bar 35projecting horizontally from the block at right angles to said surface.16? thereof in the direction of the arm 28 at the end of thesemi-circular plate 21, said bar terminating' in a linger 36 disposed inparallel relation to the arm 28 of the plate 21, vand carrying anadjustable contact screw `37 which bears against said arm 28. Connectingthe extremity of the bar .35 with the other contact lug 17 b is aconductor wire 38 thereby establishing an electrical connection betweenthe semi-circular plate 21 and said plug thru the conductor screw 37.Similarly, tlie conductor wire 33 establishes electrical connectionbetween. the plug 18 and the terminal .plate i 32, and its contact strip31. y j f The semi-circular plate 21,Y by reason of its lpivotalconnection at one end with tlie block 16, `is capable of limitedrotative movement relative thereto under the centrifugal force actingthereon as the block is rotated, this centrifugal force beingaccentuated by the weight 25 mounted at the free end of the plate 21. Oposing the centrifugal force, ded a coilfspring 40 attached at one endwith said" plate at a point removed from the pivoted end an angulardistance of say 60, the other end being attached to a ringll whichsurrounds the up-l per lportion of the shaft barrel 15. v

Considering now the manner in which the current is supplied to the lampL from the battery B, and assuming first that the vehicle is stationary,and therefore that the rotative parts of the device are also stationary,

the current may be considered as flowing 1 member 30 to the Contactstrip 31 and plate 32, thence thru the conductor 33 to the other contactLplug 17a. Ordinarily, when the block is 1n stationary` position, onlyone of the Contact plugs 17a or 17b will be in contact with thesemi-circular 'contact plate 8. Thus the current will How to theparticular contact plug which is in contact with the plate 8 followingeither of the circuits above traced. Thus assuming as in Figure 5, thatthe4 contact plug 17 b connected to the plate 21 by means of theconductor .38 and contact screw 37 is in contact with the contact plate8, a closed circuit-is formed. Similarly a closed circuit would beformed if the other plug were in contact with the plate 8.' Having thusprovided a closed .circuit regardless ofwhich plug contacts with thesemi-circular plate 8, it is apparent that a continuous current will besupplied to the lamp, and it will burn steadily so long as both circuitsremain closed.`

. Now let it be assumed that the vehicle is started and travels at acomparatively slow speed; the shaft 10 andblock 16 being driven at acorresponding slow speed, the centrifu al, force accompanying .therotation of t e block is exerted upon the weight 25 at the freeend ofthe plate 21, with theV result that said free end is thrown out,- wardlyfrom the block, thus breaking contact between the contact screw 37 andthe arm 28 at the end of the plate 21. The` remaining one-halfrevolution, thus producing an intermittent flashing or blinking licht.

bSo long as the vehicle continues to travel at a speed not exceeding thepredetermined limit, the lamp will function to produce the intermittentflashes or blinking light, but when the speed exceeds such limit (say,ten miles per hour), the centrifugal force eX- erted upon the mass issufficient to displace the weight at a still greater radial distancefrom the axis of the shaft 10, whereupon the contact point is displacedto such an extent that contact is broken between it and the contactstrip 3l. The immediate result is a complete interruption of the currentflow to the lamp L, inasmuch as i both circuits leading to the Contactplugs 17a-17h are now open. In other words, the lamp circuit becomesdead and remains so so long as the speed of the vehicle exceeds that atwhich the circuit is open. Manifestly, as the speed of the car is againdecreased, as, for instance, when it is slowing u-p for the purpose ofstopping or turning a corner, contact is re-established thru one of thecontact plugs 17a or 17", and thus the intermittent or blinking lightagain functions and continues to function in this manner until thevehicle is brought to a dead stop, in which case thelamp circuit isclosed thru one or both of the contact plugs 17a or 17h, with the resultthat a constant current flow is supplied to the lamp, and the same burnssteadily as hereinbefore described.

Having yfully described the invention, I claim as new and novel in theart to which it relates:

1. ln a signal device for vehicles, the combination of a rotative memberadapted to be driven at a rate of speed varying proportionately withthat of the vehicle, a switch member pivotally mounted on said rotativemember and adapted to be shifted relatively thereto by centrifugalforce, a plurality of contact members mounted on said rotative memberand forming elements of a plurality of parallel circuits, said contactmembers being adapted for contact adjacent the free end of said switchmember and coacting therewith to successively open said circuits as thespeed of said rotative member is increased.

4 2. In a signal device for vehicles, the combination of ya rotativeblock adapted to be driven at a speed varying proportionately with thespeed of-the vehicle, a plurality of parallel circuits Comprisingterminals tial rotation of said block, and to open another circuit whena predeterniined speed is reached.

3. In a signa-l device for vehicles, the combination of a rotative bodymember adapted to be driven at a rate of speed varying proportionatelywith that of the vehicle, a plurality of circuits including contactplates, and a centrifugal switch carried by said body member and forminga common conductor for said circuits, said body and switch member beingprovided with contact points for closing said circuits, one of saidcontacts beting opened at a relatively low speed of rotation of saidbody member and vanother at a predetermined increased speed.

4. ln a signal device for vehicles, the com` bination of a centrifugalswitch member, a rotative switch supporting member adapted to be drivenat speed varying proportionately to that of the vehicle, a plurality ofcircuits including fixed contact plates and brushes mounted in saidsupporting member, said switch member forming a conductor common to saidcircuits, said supporting and switch members having contact pointsadapted to close said circuits in the non-rotative position of saidsupporting member and to be successively brolren at predeterminedincreased speeds.

5. In a signal device for vehicles, the combination of a rotative shaftadapted to be driven vat a rate of speed corresponding to that of thevehicle, a centrifugal switch member mounted on said shaft, a circuitincluding said switch member, brush and plate contact member', havingintermittent contact in the rotation of said switch member `and arelatively'iixed terminal adapted to have a point contact withsaidswitch member. f'

6. In a signal device for vehicles, the combination of a rotative shaftadapted to be driven` at a speed corresponding to the speed of thevehicle, a contact brush carried by said block and spaced radially fromthe axis of rotation thereof, a fixed plate in constant contact withsaid brush,\a centrifugal switch member mounted on said shaft, a circuitincluding said switch member and a plurality of circuits havingrelatively fixed terminals adapted for contact with said 'switch member,and means acting on said switch member, to oppose the centrifugal forceextended thereon, to open said circuits at different speeds of rotationof said shaft.

7. A signal device for vehicles comprising a casing, a shaft. journalledin said casing and adapted to be driven at a speed varyingproportionately to the speed of the vehicle,

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e supporting member mounted. on said Sheff@ e switch member pivotallymounted on seid supporting member and adapted to be e ,ifted relativelythereto by centriiugei torte, ineens for conducting electric current toseid :switch member comprising brushee and contact plates mounted inbiedt end ceci g, one of said pletesbeing for intermittent contact- Withtwo o` seid brushes, terminals fixed to seid bloeit 'the free end ofsaid switch inernio r end bei/*ing electrical connection with two ofbrueiies, seid switch member iieving contect points adapted to close theeircuite through seid terminals and to euccessir'eiy @pen circuits atdifferent and mined speeds of rotation of seid sbr 8o n` e signal devicefor Veliiciee, combination of a rotative bloeit edepted to be driven eta Speed corresponding 'to the speed of the vehicle, e Contact brushcerried by seid block and spaced radieily from tbe exis of rotationthereof, a fixed piete in constent contact With said brush, ecentrifugal switch member mounted on said block end in electricalconnection with said brush, a plurality of contact points at the freeend of said switch member and adjacent pon tions of said block, brushescarried by seid block and electrically connected with seid Contactpoints on Said block, e iixed Contact plate adapted for intermittentContact with' seid lest mentioned brushes, said switch member beingactuated by centrifugal: torce to breek one contact et seid points uponthe initial rotative motion ei. Seid block, end f' M otlr r epredetermined increeeed sneed ii for controlling e eignei de forVeiiicies comprising e rotative body ni rnb-er, driven et e speedVarying proprie ticneily to the speed of the vehicle7 tired inineicontects adjacent Seid body meniloer? Wipi contact members cerried byseid body member end adapted for' ineke end breek contact in therotation. of seid body me Aloer, end. e circuit closing member pivoteiiymounted on seid body member9 end normally closing e circuit through seidcontact members in the rotation of seid body member et e speed less thane predetermined' Speed ofthe Vehicle and to open seid circuit at e speedin excess of seid preden 'terinined speed of tbe vehicle In Witnesswhereof, I hereunto subscribe my name this 12th dey of May, A.; D., H2L

HARRY C. EVELYN.

